OMR and Pallavaram - Thoraipakkam Radial Road to Get Major Makeover

Chennai’s Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) and Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road (PTR) are set for a major transformation, with the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) planning to develop both corridors as model urban mobility routes.

The project covers 25 km of OMR, also known as Rajiv Gandhi Salai or the IT Corridor, from Madhya Kailash to Kelambakkam. It also includes 7.4 km of the Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road, from Pallavaram Bridge to Thoraipakkam Junction.

OMR Metro Rail Integration

A key focus of the OMR makeover project will be integration with the Chennai Metro Rail network. CUMTA plans to coordinate with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to provide convenient connections between Metro stations, buses, intermediate public transport, cycling routes and pedestrian facilities.

Areas around Metro stations are expected to be developed as multimodal transport hubs, improving last-mile connectivity for commuters.

According to CUMTA, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is expected to be ready by January 2027, while the Highways Department could award the work contract by June 2027.

Bus Priority and BRTS on PTR

The Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Road makeover will focus strongly on public transport. The plan includes options such as exclusive bus lanes, bus-priority stretches and improved bus bays.

The corridor has sufficient road width to potentially accommodate a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) or dedicated bus-priority infrastructure. CUMTA will coordinate with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation and Transport Department on these plans.

Better Roads and Pedestrian Facilities

The proposed OMR and PTR urban mobility project will include safer junctions, uniform carriageways, green medians, service lanes, footpaths, cycling facilities, pedestrian crossings and traffic-calming measures.

Plans also include improved stormwater drainage, underground utility infrastructure, street lighting and road safety measures. Foot-over bridges and skywalks may be provided where necessary.

The makeover is expected to improve Chennai public transport connectivity, road safety, pedestrian movement and last-mile connectivity, creating more commuter-friendly corridors along OMR and PTR.